FIFA have begun an investigation into West Ham's fielding of striker Diafra Sakho during their FA Cup fourth round tie with Bristol City.
http://www.thesportbible.com/articles/premier-league-club-facing-expulsion-from-fa-cup
The Senegalese striker pulled out of the African Nations Cup with a back injury, but returned to the first team to score the winner at Ashton Gate, even though if fit, he should have been with the Senegal team.
The FA are wanting to get the situation resolved as quickly as possible, with the Hammers set to face West Brom in the fifth round. The game is set to be televised on BT Sport, but could now be cancelled if FIFA decide West Ham are guilty, with article six of FIFA's disciplinary measures stating . . .
The FIFA Players' Status Committee shall...declare any match(es) in which the player took part to have been lost by the club concerned.
"Any points thus gained by the club in question shall be forfeited. Any match contested according to the cup system shall be regarded as having been won by the opposing team, irrespective of the score."
Speaking to The Mirror, a FIFA spokesperson said of the case . . .
"We can confirm, that disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the player Diafra Sakho and the club West Ham United for a potential violation of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players."
In response to the charges, West Ham have maintained their innocence . . .
"Diafra Sakho and West Ham United vigorously deny that they have acted in breach of Fifa regulations. They regard the proceedings as unfounded and are requesting their dismissal."
